Since joining the European Union, the energy market in Poland has undergone a huge transformation. This is the result of numerous regulations introduced by the EU in subsequent years. And this is not the end of the changes. So how does the energy policy of the European Union affect the Polish energy market and what should be expected?
European climate policy goals
At the time of accession to the European Union, almost 98% of energy generated in Poland came from hard coal and lignite, and the capacity of renewable sources was only 0,6 GW. In 2024, the share of coal was only 57,1% (61% in 2023), and renewable energy reached the highest result in history of 29,6% (2,3% more than a year earlier). The data cited perfectly show how many modifications the electricity market in Poland has undergone under the influence of the European Union and in which direction it is heading.
What changes can we expect in the future? The EU's energy policy goals were set in 2015 when the Energy Union Strategy was adopted. The five most important goals are:
- Diversification of European energy sources, solidarity and cooperation of the Community's member states.
- An integrated internal energy market, ensuring the free flow of energy within the EU.
- Improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Decarbonisation and the transition to a low-emission economy.
- Promoting research into low-emission and clean energy technologies.
The EU's common energy policy aims to provide EU households and businesses with secure, sustainable and affordable energy supplies.
European Union Energy Policy – Key Principles
Energy in Poland, as in the entire European Union, must also take into account the regulatory framework based on the “Ready for 55” package. It contains numerous provisions concerning, among others, the promotion of energy from renewable sources, the energy performance of buildings and energy efficiency. This is to ensure the implementation of the ambitious assumptions of the EU climate policy, which assumes achieving climate neutrality by 2050 (the intermediate goal is a reduction to the level of 55% by 2030). To make this possible, Poland's energy policy must adapt to EU regulations. Below you will find the key regulations on which Polish energy depends.
Energy from renewable sources
The EU energy policy focuses on obtaining energy from renewable sources. According to the adopted target, by 2030 the share of energy from renewable sources (i.e. solar, wind, water, biomass and biofuels) in the final energy consumption in the EU is to be 42,5%, and ideally 45%. Support in achieving this result is to be provided by national and EU financing systems. How does this affect the energy market in Poland? This results primarily in the need to change the energy mix, which is still dominated by coal.
Energy transformation in Poland is a necessity
The Polish energy market must adapt to the regulations introduced by the European Union. The most important challenges that await the domestic energy sector include decarbonization, sustainable development, improving energy efficiency and increasing the share of renewable energy sources. Although the time frame for the regulations is quite distant, it is necessary to prepare for the changes now. Who does this concern? The energy sector in the European Union also forces the introduction of changes in companies and institutions that should adapt their energy systems to the new regulations. It is best to do this as soon as possible. Your trusted partner in the energy transformation is Veolia. Our offer includes energy efficiency services, purchase of energy from renewable sources and sale of energy and gas. With us, you will prepare for further changes, optimize energy consumption and reduce the impact on the environment.
